Why Event Photography? My Journey from Mic to Lens

When not behind a lens shooting events, I can be found behind a mic, either in a soundproof booth or working remotely in my home office. One person, two roles: event photographer and simultaneous interpreter. It might sound like an unusual mix, but to me, it makes perfect sense. Both are about communication and connection, whether though images or words.

I’ve been working as a freelance interpreter for years, and I care deeply about the work. There’s something powerful about helping people connect across language barriers, especially at live events and high-stakes meetings. It’s fast-paced, focused, and endlessly interesting.

But over time, I realised that I also need a creative outlet that didn’t involve constant talking… I bought my first camera and started shooting. At first, it was a way to unwind, to capture whatever caught my eye while travelling or walking around my city. But the more I photographed, the more I saw it as another way to tell stories. The kind that don’t need subtitles.

As a solopreneur myself, this is what I know best, so I enjoy working with SMEs and fellow solo entrepreneurs who need usable visuals for their websites and social media. I find that my experience with live interpreting helps me to adapt to different situations, get on with people, anticipate moments, and stay calm when things move fast.

Now I split my time between the two roles, and I genuinely love both. Interpreting is very demanding: you listen, analyse and speak – all at once. Preparing for conferences means I never stop learning, whether it’s about medical equipment or wheat fertilisers… Photography gives me space to pause and express myself visually. Together, both roles create the perfect combination and balance.

What I find is that at the core of both is people. Whether I’m conveying someone’s words in another language or capturing the right shot, my goal remains the same: to make sure something real gets through. In interpreting, that means preserving tone, meaning, and intent, so that people truly understand one another. In photography, it’s about seeing beyond the surface and creating images that resonate. What matters in both cases is connection, authenticity, and helping others feel seen and heard.

I’m always happy to chat about a new project, so please contact me to discuss how I can help.

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Event Photography: Leave the Phone in Your Pocket

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Solopreneur: Capturing the Person Behind the Practice